Big Thunderstorms Pepper Nation's Midsection Through Tonight

Dangerous weather will rumble across much of the nation’s midsection until the start of the middle of the week. Every severe risk will be on the weather menu through predawn on Wednesday.

This cold front will separate two distinct air masses – hot, humid to the south and much cooler, drier to the north. This has already fostered a couple dangerous thunderstorms clusters from the Middle Mississippi to the Ohio valleys so far today. Several additional robust thunderstorm complexes will rumble from South Dakota and eastern Nebraska to Missouri and potentially the southern third of Illinois through predawn on Wednesday.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches are in effect from eastern Nebraska, southwestern Iowa, northeastern Kansas, and western and central Missouri. Omaha, Lincoln, Neb., Topeka, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo. are included. 

A few bigger-named cities that could be in the path of a dangerous thunderstorm encounter are Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., Des Moines, Iowa, St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati.

The primary risks include isolated damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail nearly as big as baseball size. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out either.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”